PFIPC: Tinubu under pressure to drop ICPC inquiry, order independent investigation

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu faces mounting pressure to order an independent investigation into the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), with critics demanding the suspension of Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. Several civil society organizations (CSOs) and lawyers have rejected Tinubu's directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter within 30 days, arguing that the Presidency cannot investigate itself.

“

If he (Gbajabiamiala) was placed on suspension, ICPC can be independent

"If he (Gbajabiamiala) was placed on suspension, ICPC can be independent," stated one critic, emphasizing the need for impartiality. Concerns were raised that the Presidency's stance, which appeared to exonerate Gbajabiamila without a thorough investigation, undermines the credibility of the process. "The Presidency cannot even investigate itself – you can’t be a judge, jury and executioner over your own matter. The investigation should be done by independent people," one lawyer asserted.

The controversy centers on Matthew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to have received an appointment letter from Gbajabiamiala for the PFIPC, an agency allegedly budgeted N1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Bill and operating with over 300 staff. Gbajabiamiala has vehemently denied any knowledge of the PFIPC and threatened a N10 billion lawsuit against Adeyemi for defamation. Adeyemi, however, maintains that the agency is legitimate.

“

The Presidency cannot even investigate itself – you can’t be a judge, jury and executioner over your own matter. The investigation should be done by independent people

Calls for a truly independent investigation have been echoed by prominent figures, including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 elections. He stated, "Something is fundamentally wrong within the machinery of this administration. Nigerians deserve the whole truth, not carefully scripted press statements. We therefore demand a truly independent investigation that follows the evidence wherever it leads. No sacred cows. No political protection. No selective justice."

“

Something is fundamentally wrong within the machinery of this administration. Nigerians deserve the whole truth, not carefully scripted press statements. We therefore demand a truly independent investigation that follows the evidence wherever it leads. No sacred cows. No political protection. No selective justice

Rev David Ugolor, Executive Director of the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), also demanded that Tinubu ask those implicated in the saga to step aside to allow for a proper and uninterrupted investigation by the ICPC, stressing the importance of transparency and credibility.

“

Tinubu ask those affected by the saga step aside for proper and uninterrupted investigation by the ICPC